Professional Documents
Culture Documents
S2 Letters and Memos-1
S2 Letters and Memos-1
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Follow these steps to change the margins within your document: 1. Position the cursor where you want the margin changes to take effect. 2. Select File, Page Setup to open the Page Setup dialog box. 3. Click on the Margins tab. 4. Use the Top, Bottom, Left, and Right spin box controls to set the amount of white space on the top, bottom, left, and right of the document. 5. If you want to, use the Header and Footer spin box controls to adjust the size of the header or footer from the top or bottom of the page. 6. Set the Apply To option to Whole Document (default) or This Point Forward. This Point Forward applies to margin settings from the selected point of insertion to the end of the document. 7. Click OK to return to the document. Creating Section Breaks You will want to insert a section break to apply different page formatting within a document.
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To insert a section break: Position the cursor at the point where you want the break to begin, and select Insert, Break to open the Break dialog box.
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In the Section Break Types area, select one of the following options to specify where you want the new section to begin: a. Next Page b. Continuous c. Even Page d. Odd Page
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Creating Headers and Footers Headers and Footers are useful for including page numbers, document titles, company letterhead, and additional pieces of information that need to appear on each page of a document. They are also useful for including information in your document without compromising your required margins and additional page settings. Use the following process to create Headers and/or Footers:
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Select View, Header/Footer from the Menu Bar to display the header (footer) toolbar and text boxes.
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Make any necessary changes to the header (footer), including typing text and using the Insert Date, Insert Page Numbers, and Insert Time buttons to place field codes in the header (footer). If you need to switch from the header to the footer, or vice versa, simply click the Switch Between Header and Footer button on the toolbar. If you wish to include different information on another pages header (footer), insert a Section Break (Next Page) before the new page. Then turn off the Same As Previous button by selecting it, and type the new information into the new pages header (footer). If you wish to view the next or previous pages header (footer), simply select Show Next or Show Previous. When youre finished editing your documents headers (footers), click the Close button on the Header / Footer toolbar and return to your document.
Source: Courter, G., & Marquis, A. Mastering Microsoft Office 2000, Professional Edition, 2000.
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An introductory paragraph provides the purpose of the memo and outlines the topics to be covered. The guidelines on this page show and tell you one professional way to format a memorandum that utilizes headings. Headings are used when more than one topic is covered in the memo. Its important to pay attention to the subject line, topic headings, paragraph spacing, second-page notation, and memo verification. Subject Line Utilize the subject line above to forecast or summarize the memo's content in the subject line. A clear, concise subject title helps readers to focus on the subject and to gauge its importance. A precise heading also makes filing by subject easier. Topic Headings When discussing a number of subtopics related to your subject, include headings (as we do here). Headings help you organize, and help readers locate information quickly. Paragraph Spacing Do not indent the first line of paragraphs. Single space within paragraphs, and double space between paragraphs. Second-page Notation When the memo exceeds one page, begin the second and all the subsequent pages with a header. Place this information in Words header function. For example, when you are writing a memo to Dr. Baxter, your header might look like this: Dr. Baxter June 12, 20XX Page 2 Memo Verification Don't sign your memos. Initial the "From" line after your name; this will verify that you are the sender. A conclusion paragraph is needed to tie the memo topics together and, when appropriate, to ask for action and/or create goodwill.
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This memo illustrates a hard-copy style, which is a memo written using letterhead. Leave two blank lines between SUBJECT line and first line of memo text. This paragraph should announce good news directly and cordially. If a list is used, list data in columns with heading for easy reading as follows:
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Speaker Dr. Mary Jean Lush Jeanette Spencer President, Spencer & Associates Dr. Karen S. Powell Colorado Consultants
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Topic Successful Performance Appraisals Conducting Legal Employment Interviews Avoiding Sexual Harassment Suits
March 13
One space should be used before and after the list. This paragraph uses short, active-voice sentences. If options are used, highlight with (1) and (2) as follows:
1 blank line
(1) Time Management for Todays Managers (2) Effective Use of Intranets and Web Sites
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The final paragraph provides a deadline and the reason for the deadline. Additional tips for writing a memo include: single space all memos, double space between paragraphs and use one-inch margins. If a memo requires two pages, use a second-page heading that includes the addressees name, page number, and date. Instead of a signature, your initials should be handwritten after your typed name at the top of the memo. Include an enclosure line, if the memo has an attachment.
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Enclosure
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This memo illustrates a plain paper style, which is a memo written on plain paper. The memo should have one-inch margins. Leave two blank lines between SUBJECT line and first line of memo text. This paragraph should announce good news directly and cordially. If a list is used, list data in columns with headings for easy reading as follows:
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Speaker Dr. Mary Jean Lush Jeanette Spencer, President Spencer & Associates Dr. Karen S. McDowell Colorado Consultants
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Topic Successful Performance Appraisals Conducting Legal Employment Interviews Avoiding Sexual Harassment Suits
One space should be used before and after the list. This paragraph uses short, active-voice sentences. If options are used, highlight with (1) and (2) as follows:
1 blank line
(1) Time Management for Todays Managers (2) Effective Use of Intranets and Web Sites
1 blank line
The final paragraph provides a deadline and reason for the deadline. Additional tips for writing a memo include: single space all memos, double space between paragraphs, and use one-inch margins. If a memo requires two pages, use a second-page heading that includes the addressees name, page number, and date. Instead of a signature, your initials should be handwritten after your typed name in the heading. Include an enclosure line if the memo has an attachment.
Informative/Positive Communication
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Definition: Examples:
The anticipated response of the reader is positive; the sales task is minimal. Requests for information and/or action Routine claim requests Routine responses
Frontload the opening. Explain needed detail in the body. Consider logical sequence. Group like ideas. Consider graphic display. Remember to include reader benefits. Provide a forward-looking, courteous closing. Use end date if appropriate.
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Use a relevant, short buffer Use a Natural transition to paragraph two Be careful dont appear to be saying yes Explain reasons Present in terms of reader benefits Avoid hiding behind company policy
Dont apologize explain Avoid placing blame in the midst of explanation Refuse Use positive language Use subjective mood and passive voice Imply refusal by referring to what can be done Avoid putting refusal in its own paragraph If applicable, deflect by offering alternative solution Compromise Offer substitution Close with a forward-looking thought Dont refer to the negative Point to a different, yet related, reader benefit
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00000000Make the first sentence interesting enough to motivate the reader to continue reading. A rhetorical question is often effective; other effective openers include an unusual fact, an unexpected statement, or some statement about which the reader and writer can agree. Keep the opening paragraph short--often just one sentence--to draw in the reader.
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3. Make sure that the opening sentence relates to the main topic of the message. Don't mislead the reader. 4. When appropriate, relate the opener to a reader benefit.
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Build Interest
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00000000Don't specifically make your request until you've presented some of the reasons.
2. Devote the major part of your message to justifying your request. Give enough background and evidence to enable the reader to make an informed decision.
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Use facts and statistics, expert opinion, and examples to support your proposal. Ensure that your evidence is accurate, relevant, representative, and complete. Avoid obvious flattery, emotionalism, and exaggeration.
4. Use an objective, logical, reasonable, and sincere tone. 5. Present your evidence in terms of either direct or indirect reader benefits.
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Reduce Resistance
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00000000Do not ignore obstacles to your request. considering such obstacles, your request is reasonable.
2. Subordinate the discussion of obstacles by position and amount of space devoted to the topic. Motivate
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00000000Although implied earlier, save the specific request for later in the message.
2. Make the desired action clear and easy for the reader to take. Include end date if appropriate. 3. Ask in a confident tone. Consider restating key benefit. 4. End on a forward-looking note, continuing to stress reader benefits. The Direct Pattern for Persuasive Tasks
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00000000Use a direct organizational plan when strong persuasion is not necessary (that is, when your audience is predisposed to listen objectively to your request, you are writing a long or complex proposal, or there are no obvious obstacles to your proposal).
2. Present your recommendation, along with the criteria and brief rationale, in the first paragraph.
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Continue by presenting credible evidence and minimizing obstacles; end on a forwardlooking note that continues to stress reader benefits.
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